Coastal Summer

We all secretly dream of a glamorous overseas summer vacation. Languid days spent in sun-drenched, quaint little cities dotted along the coast. Dining on bread and olives with an unobstructed view of the sea. Slowly moving along stone-paved streets, browsing plein air markets and marveling over stunningly yellow lemons, fragrant red tomatoes, masterfully crafted wine. And in our imaginations, we’re the main characters of our fantasy; every moment is picture-perfect, everything is free and it never, ever ends.

Reality always comes crashing back in. Endless plane trips and expired passports, limited vacation time and limited budgets can squash our dreams pretty quickly.

But there’s no reason to let all that stop you from having the coastal summer of your dreams. Sure, we may not have an ocean view here in Kentucky, but all of the rest of it is easily within our reach if we have just a little imagination... and some creativity. by Amanda Harper

Five Ways to Make Your Home More Coastal

Plants. Everywhere.

Part of what makes coastal areas so stunning? The abundant plant life! From wild-growing trees to potted plants on balconies, it seems like everywhere you look, there’s a plant that’s thriving. And rarely are they carefully manicured shrubs or symmetrical little beds of flowers; they’re left to grow wherever the sun takes them!

Bold Umbrellas

Even people who adore soaking up the sunshine can sometimes find it a little too sunny in the summertime. Coastal cities aren’t shy about offering a little shade on their patios; their umbrellas are usually boldly colored, sometimes with patterns or fanciful trims. Reach for umbrellas that stand out in a big way.

What Walls?

A trademark of sunny coastal cities is that there’s very little delineation between indoors and outdoors. They bring outside elements into the interior of the home while expanding living areas out into exterior spaces. So while the weather’s nice, stop relying on walls – or lack thereof – to tell you where you’re lounging.

Artisan Made

Most overseas cities have histories that span centuries – some, even millennia. The décor in these regions always celebrates their rich culture. Artisan-made pottery, textiles, baskets, sculptures, paintings and more bring such visual interest to a home while supporting local artists.

Look to Nature

Natural materials and textures are a hallmark of coastal towns. Think stucco walls, exposed beams, terra cotta, natural stonework and limewashed walls. Accessories featuring woven fibers like jute, seagrass or rattan both fit this exact vibe and happen to be on-trend at the moment. The base palette tends to be very nature-inspired, layering in pops of brilliant color through accessories. Fortunately for UK fans, cobalt blue is very fitting for Mediterranean-inspired décor!

How to Get the Coastal Vibe

Mediterranean Diet

Unlike other fad diets, The Mediterranean Diet isn’t restrictive and doesn’t really have any clear rules, making it easy – even joyful – to follow. The goal is to enjoy traditional foods for countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including France, Italy, Greece and Spain. Research has shown that people in this region live longer and tend to be healthier, with a lower risk of many chronic conditions that plague us Americans. Having a coastal summer could actually be good for your health!

Focus on eating fresh produce and whole grains. Cook with extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil. Try swapping red meat and processed meat for seafood, poultry, eggs and other sources of protein. Flavor foods with herbs and spices rather than reaching for salt.

The best way to truly savor this diet? Share it with friends! Invite loved ones to your table and share fresh, whole meals family-style. Trying out new Mediterranean-inspired recipes will break you out of your cooking rut and having distraction-free time with friends and family will do your soul some good.

Dine Outside

Think back to the last time you were at the beach. How often did you dine outside? Patio dining is an essential part of what makes coastal living so magical. But you can capture that vibe in central Kentucky! If you’re headed out to eat, choose a restaurant with a patio designed to help you relax and unwind. Staying in? Dine on your patio or balcony – or make it a picnic on your lawn! Consider packing up a picnic and stopping by a park or other natural area. Dining outside can be a transformative experience that carries you away from the humdrum of everyday life.

Set the Table

It’s so easy to get away from using tablecloths, cloth napkins, chargers, placemats and other table accessories during the summer. Setting the table – even when you’re dining outdoors – makes the meal feel so much more special and intentional. Light candles when the sun dips below the horizon for a romantic, unforgettable glow.

Learn to Deal With the Heat

Those sunny climes of coastal regions can be a double-edged sword in the summer… much like Kentucky! Dress in loose, breezy fabrics made of fibers designed to wick moisture away from your body: think flowy pants, off-the-shoulder tops, linen button-ups and swinging skirts. Condition your hair to stave off humidity, and cover it when driving around with the top down. Hydrate often and seek shade whenever you need it. Use SPF and UVA protection whenever possible to ensure that you can stay outside longer without damaging your skin, and wear waterproof makeup to keep you fresh and flawless for whatever comes your way.

Farmer’s Market

Get the experience of trawling a coastal outdoor market right here in Kentucky – while getting up close and personal with the amazing people who produce your food! Buying local produce ensures you get the freshest taste while supporting Kentucky agriculture. That’s truly a win/win!

Get Out on the Water

While the ocean is a lonnnnng drive away, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a splash! Rent a boat on one of Kentucky’s lakes or go tubing on one of the state’s rivers. For those who prefer the pool, don’t worry; lounging by the pool is still a very authentic piece of that coastal lifestyle. So long as you’re near a body of water, it counts!

Get Into Red Wine

Red wine isn’t everyone’s cup of tea initially. But once your palate acclimates – and you find the right red wine for you – it’s a flavorful sip that happens to bring a bevy of health benefits. Red wine contains resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. More studies are needed, but it seems as if drinking red wine regularly may potentially lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the heart and reduce your risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. All of this assumes you are consuming wine in moderation, about 1-2 glasses per day; drinking more may actually increase these risks. Try swapping your usual beer or cocktail for a glass of red wine a day and enjoy a time-honored Mediterranean tradition.

Set Up Your Spaces for Calm

The coastal vibe is all about relaxation and taking life just a little bit slower. Clear out distracting, irritating clutter. Make sitting areas throughout your home and outdoor areas more comfy with ample cushions and throw pillows. Set up your entryway or mudroom so you can grab what you need and go, be it your gardening hat or your pool tote. Prepare everything you can ahead of time so that your mornings and evenings are seamlessly easy. And keep your guest room ready for company – everyone will want to enjoy your new beachy lifestyle!